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Top 5 cycling destinations for foodies this Spring
cycling vacation, some travelers like to indulge in fine meals. I know when I travel, I tend to look for the most delicious and authentic specialties a region offers. The good news for my fellow cyclists? Taking what I like to call a fit-cation allows for guilt-free eating (and drinking)! Thats why I am sharing my favorite destinations for food lovers this spring. Bon appétit!
Mallorca
Remarkable riding, sweeping views, sparkling sunshine, and delectable meals: this is Mallorca. Mallorca is a newer favorite of mine; I love combining the challenging aspect of climbing high into the Tramuntana mountain range with the culinary highlights of many authentic specialties prepared by the regions top chefs. When I visit I make sure to taste the typical Mallorquin faire, including paella, ensaimadas, tapas and more, and common ingredients found in the food here include delicious local almonds, olives, walnuts, and Ramallet, a local tomato. Seriously, my mouth is watering.
Sicily
Looking for the very best in Italian sweets? Join me in Sicily for a fresh ricotta-filled cannoli or in Noto for some granita, a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings that is tasty and extremely refreshing after a ride. Or, if youre looking for something a bit more savory, head into Ragusa, an impressive Italian city and home to some of Sicilys best-renowned restaurants. For picnic lovers, this is a splendid destination for delicious local fare in gorgeous settings. Explore the stunning Sicilian countryside by bike, enjoy a glass of native Nero dAvola wine, and satisfy yourself with a Sicilian meal.
Burgundy
French cooking at its finest! Not only does this region include numerous opportunities for wine tastings, but food that will blow your socks off. I suggest making a stop at the ninth-century Abbeye de Cîteaux for a taste of house-made cows milk cheese made by monks. A super authentic experience that is wholly unmatched anywhere else. Explore acre upon acre of lush, green vineyards as you trace the saga of wine, from Beaune to Aloxe-Corton and along le Route des Grand Crus. After spending much time in my younger years working in the vineyards of France, this destination is among the top of my recommendations.
Tuscany
Imagine cycling over rolling hills in the iconic Tuscan countryside before stopping at the cantina of a friendly local. Tuscnay abounds with Italian hospitality. Its an amazing location. Ride leisurely through vineyards and orchards, or opt for additional rides for a serious challenge. The opportunities are endless to savor local treats like fresh pici pasta, pecorino cheese, and garden fresh bruschetta with local olive oil. Oh, and foodies? I probably shouldnt leave out that there are plenty of opportunities to take a local cooking class, perhaps in Montalcino. Sitting down to a meal you helped prepare in an Italian kitchen sounds like the topping on the cake, does it not?
Andalucia
Why not try a destination that boasts its extraordinary gastronomy? Feast upon a selection of scrumptious tapas in the village of Archidona and taste caviar like you never imagined possible at Europes only truly organic freshwater sturgeon farm. And for another cooking opportunity, head to a traditional Montilla winery to learn how to make traditional Andalusian paella. But its not only about the food of course. Andalucia is an exciting location for top-of-the-line biking. Cycle through traffic-free olive orchards and sherry producing vineyards, tackle challenging climbs, and hop on the bike for a beautiful loop ride through rolling hills.
Springtime in Europe is magnificent. The weather is beautiful, the riding is unbeatable, and the food… well, everything you could ask for is in season and ready to be devoured by a wanderlusting cyclist who enjoys a good meal. Where am I missing? Whats your favorite dish when you travel? Lets get the wheels spinning. My stomach is growling, and its time to seek out our next dish.
Andy Levine is the President/Founder of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.
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Great post! I’m planning a cycling trip thru Amsterdam during tulip time but I’m not sure how great the food is. Any suggestions? This is great for the less experienced biker since the terrain is flat.
Thanks for the nice post Andy. I think you have nailed it to the best, at least according to my standard and interrests. Last autumn I spent a week cycling around in Tuscany on a bike. I, my wife and our 2 year old son. Easy cycling during days, a picnic or light lunch and then following advice on TripAdvisor for evening resturants which always were satisfactory and somethimes fantastic restaurants.
Great post!
My comment is for your guests Judi – I haven’t been to Holland yet but we had some guests from there who brought us stroopwaffles. Don’t leave without trying them! We really liked them and you’ll be able to burn them off cycling:)
Judi- Amsterdam is going to be so much fun. While I do not have any suggestions for restaurants to visit, you should certainly try stroopwaffles as Lori recommended. Delicious and they have a very interesting history!
Erik- Isn’t Tuscany just outstanding? It’s the epitome of Italian beauty, and sets the scene for a fantastic trip. I am glad you enjoyed it! If you ever head back to Italy, try Puglia or Umbria. If you’re looking for a coastal option, Cinque Terre is also stunning.
Lori- Great suggestion! And truly, taking a cycling vacation yields a guilt-free travel experience. Can’t beat it. :) #RideOn
Hello Andy,
Great suggestions. Another wonderful cycling destination is the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts in the U.S. Fantastic bike paths which allow you to explore the islands vast beauty.
These destinations look great! Mallorca is amazing for both food and cycling. For the not-so-sporty cyclers (that includes me), I’d recommend Vietnam as well. Great food and depending on where you are, easy cycling, and in destinations like Hoi An most hotels will have bikes you can borrow.
Great article, mouthwatering pictures! It makes me want to organize a trip now. I always smile when I see cyclists come through my area of Montepulciano because they have the best of both worlds: sports and fine food/wine with none of the hassle of putting on weight or not being able to drive!
Looks wonderful and I love your blog. With all respect, the term ” Foodie” is a little old fashioned now. can we read less of the term “foodies?” Anyone who loves luxury travel is likely to take an interest in great food. No offence meant, it just gets a little tired.
Joseph– I completely agree. Our DuVine office is located in the Boston area, so I ride in Nantucket often. If you’re ever in the area and are looking for someone to ride with, be sure to get in touch!
Edwina– Vietnam sounds incredible. I can’t wait to take our tours farther east.
Oonagh– When you’re ready to start planning your next trip, be sure to check out DuVine! We’d love to host you.
Libby– Thanks for the tip!
Andy – thanks for the tip about Duvine! Come visit our winery (Palazzo Vecchio) when you are next in the area and taste our wine!